Category: theatre

Four of the five, however, are that riskiest of theatrical ventures: new plays rather than musicals.

In the wake of the now-settled stagehands’ strike, everyone from producers to ticket brokers to tourists seems to be scrambling to be sure that everyone who wants a ticket to a Broadway show can get one. So far, demand is high.

There will be plenty of challenges for Broadway actors, directors, and producers as they attempt a quick recovery from the strike that shut down theaters for nearly three weeks. Cues must be relearned, showdogs (seriously) must be retrained, and most importantly, audiences must be convinced to return.

“In recent years, far too much public money has gone on capital projects and keeping the lavatories working in subsidised theatres, and far too little into the work that actually goes on stage. An empty theatre is just a building and nothing more.”

The stagehands’ strike may be over, but it seems like labor situations come up constantly on Broadway. In comparison, London hasn’t had a theatrical shutdown since the 1960s. So what’s the difference? Nationalized health care and consistent job security play a significant role.

He’s Kevin Hughes. “A Philadelphia native, Hughes was also managing director of Empty Space Theatre (1981-85), and for four years he was director of the Washington State Arts Alliance.”

‘A representative for Local One of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees said labor and management were “much closer than we’ve ever been” and the only issue left on the table was the size of wage increase.’

“With their banks of dazzling stage lights and foyers ablaze nightly, theatres are energy-hungry beasts.” But some Australian companies are taking steps to change their resource-gobbling ways, and considering what could be done to reduce their carbon footprint.

The largest beneficiary of the limited shows playing through the strike, unsurprisingly, was “Young Frankenstein.” While producers of the Mel Brooks spoof musical are not releasing figures, sources peg the show’s grosses for the week ending Nov. 25 north of $1.85 million. If that estimate holds, it will edge out the $1.8 million Christmas 2006 take of “Wicked” for the Broadway record.

Talks between Broadway producers and the stagehands union ended Tuesday morning without a deal after a second consecutive night of marathon talks.